Written questions by Morello.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the impact of nitrogen leaching from agriculture on (a) water quality and (b) biodiversity in West Dorset constituency.

The levels of nitrogen losses from agriculture are unacceptable. That is why we are focused on working with farmers across the country to reduce pollution and clean up our waters. Regulations are in place to address nitrogen and wider pollution from agriculture and the Environment Agency (EA) continue to conduct over 4,000 inspections nationally each year to support farmers to comply. The EA has also worked closely with farmers and land managers to implement a bespoke, target-led approach across the Poole Harbour catchment, support by an innovative voluntary farmer-led scheme, to improve farm practices, reduce nutrient losses and enable ecological recovery.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to collaborate with (a) local communities and (b) environmental organisations to restore chalk stream (i) habitats and (ii) biodiversity.

This Government is committed to building stronger ties and working collaboratively on shared priorities to restore chalk streams, these unique water bodies are not just vital ecosystems, but a symbol of our national heritage. In the financial year (2024/25), through the Water Environment Improvement Fund, the Government’s aim was to fund 45 projects (worth £2.5 million of government investment) that improve chalk streams, each with the injection of private investment, and through the Water Resources Chalk Partnership Fund, in the same financial year, the Environment Agency was aiming to deliver 21 Chalk Partnership projects, aimed at safeguarding these rare and irreplaceable habitats.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to regulate water abstraction rates to sustainable levels in chalk stream catchment areas.

The Environment Agency takes action where water abstraction is adversely impacting the water environment. Implementation of the Water Industry Natural Environment Programme between now and 2030 will result in an additional £170 million being invested by water companies to improve river flows in chalk streams. In June, the Environment Agency will launch an update to the Water Resource National Framework. This update includes placing chalk streams environmental needs at the centre of long-term water resource planning decision making. Investment in national water resource infrastructure and water demand management will be needed to secure sustainable water abstraction in chalk streams.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to (a) help reduce pollution levels in England's chalk streams and (b) to monitor the effectiveness of these steps.

The Government is committed to the protection and restoration of our cherished chalk streams. We have taken immediate action to clean up our waterways, including a new Water (Special Measures) Act which will bring criminal charges against those who persistently break the law. In October last year we launched an independent commission into the water sector regulatory system to deliver transformative change to the water system. We are investing in initiatives to improve chalk streams including 45 projects in 24/25 through the Water Environment Improvement Fund. As part of the Water Resources Chalk Partnership Fund, in 24/25 the Government will contribute £1 million for chalk stream projects with partners on 30 projects, aimed at safeguarding these rare and irreplaceable habitats.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the risk of flooding in (a) Bothenhampton, (b) Bridport, (c) Maiden Newton, (d) Ryme Intrinseca, (e) Yetminster and (f) Chilfrome.

Protecting communities around the country from flooding is one of the Secretary of State’s five core priorities. That is why we set up a Flood Resilience Taskforce to provide oversight of national and local flood resilience and preparedness ahead of and after the winter flood season. Over the last few years, we have seen the wettest winters since 1871. Sadly, some communities experienced flooding multiple times and in quick succession. The Environment Agency (EA) has recently published new data showing 6.3 million properties across England are in areas at risk of flooding from one or a combination of rivers, the sea and surface water. These maps are available online and show the latest predictions of flood risk now, and with an allowance for climate change. The EA operates a flood warning service informing communities of flood risk and when to take precautions. They work closely with partner organisations, through the Local Resilience Forum, to plan and prepare for localised incidents and wider emergencies. The EA operates a wide range of flood defence assets and has an operational response team, which manages the operation of these assets during flooding. In case flood defence assets are exceeded or fail, the EA has well-rehearsed contingency plans which can be deployed to mitigate effects. The EA continues to build strong relationships with local communities to improve community flood resilience. Through the flood warden programme, the EA engages regularly with volunteers and Parish Councils. Engagement takes place where the risk is highest and where we receive the highest number of reported flooded properties.

Food and Rural Affairs, what flood prevention measures he has planned for (a) Bothenhampton, (b) Bridport, (c) Maiden Newton, (d) Ryme Intrinseca, (e) Yetminster and (f) Chilfrome.

As part of the Government’s Plan for Change, a record £2.65 billion will be invested over two years in building, maintaining and repairing flood defences, better protecting 52,000 properties by March 2026. Around 1,000 projects will receive funding in 24/25 and 25/26. Investment in flood risk management schemes takes place where the risk is highest, wherever it is across the country. Each scheme is carefully considered to determine whether and how far it will benefit the most people and property. An initial assessment of the flood defences in Bridport determined that maintenance of the existing defences is the most cost-effective option. Bridport remains on the pipeline programme to revisit in 10 years. Bothenhampton, Maiden Newton and Yetminster are not included in the current pipeline programme. However, these areas should see flood risk benefits at a catchment scale due to the influence of Natural Flood Management (NFM) projects in the area. The Environment Agency (EA) is working with organisations such as the Dorset National Landscape Partnership to deliver a NFM project across the Brit catchment that will reduce flood risk to communities such as Beaminster. The River Brit project received a share of £25million in Government funding. In Maiden Newton, Dorset Wildlife Trust is gathering data on the impact of beavers to flood risk at Kingcombe Nature reserve at the headwaters of the Frome. At Yetminster, Yeovil Rivers Trust is installing NFM measures in the headwaters of the Wriggle to slow the flow and attenuate floodwater. The EA is proposing to desilt the Maiden Newton Flood Alleviation Channel this year.

Food and Rural Affairs, if the Minister for Water and Flooding will meet with the hon. Member for West Dorset to discuss solutions for the water quality of the River Lim.

My Defra private office handles all meeting requests. Please contact them directly to request a meeting.

Food and Rural Affairs, what emergency response plans are in place for severe flooding events in (a) Bothenhampton, (b) Bridport, (c) Maiden Newton, (d) Ryme Intrinseca, (e) Yetminster and (f) Chilfrome.

Protecting communities around the country from flooding is one of the Secretary of State’s five core priorities. That is why we set up a Flood Resilience Taskforce to provide oversight of national and local flood resilience and preparedness ahead of and after the winter flood season. Over the last few years, we have seen the wettest winters since 1871. Sadly, some communities experienced flooding multiple times and in quick succession. The Environment Agency (EA) has recently published new data showing 6.3 million properties across England are in areas at risk of flooding from one or a combination of rivers, the sea and surface water. These maps are available online and show the latest predictions of flood risk now, and with an allowance for climate change. The EA operates a flood warning service informing communities of flood risk and when to take precautions. They work closely with partner organisations, through the Local Resilience Forum, to plan and prepare for localised incidents and wider emergencies. The EA operates a wide range of flood defence assets and has an operational response team, which manages the operation of these assets during flooding. In case flood defence assets are exceeded or fail, the EA has well-rehearsed contingency plans which can be deployed to mitigate effects. The EA continues to build strong relationships with local communities to improve community flood resilience. Through the flood warden programme, the EA engages regularly with volunteers and Parish Councils. Engagement takes place where the risk is highest and where we receive the highest number of reported flooded properties.

Food and Rural Affairs, how he is involving local communities in (a) Bothenhampton, (b) Bridport, (c) Maiden Newton, (d) Ryme Intrinseca, (e) Yetminster and (f) Chilfrome in developing flood resilience strategies.

Protecting communities around the country from flooding is one of the Secretary of State’s five core priorities. That is why we set up a Flood Resilience Taskforce to provide oversight of national and local flood resilience and preparedness ahead of and after the winter flood season. Over the last few years, we have seen the wettest winters since 1871. Sadly, some communities experienced flooding multiple times and in quick succession. The Environment Agency (EA) has recently published new data showing 6.3 million properties across England are in areas at risk of flooding from one or a combination of rivers, the sea and surface water. These maps are available online and show the latest predictions of flood risk now, and with an allowance for climate change. The EA operates a flood warning service informing communities of flood risk and when to take precautions. They work closely with partner organisations, through the Local Resilience Forum, to plan and prepare for localised incidents and wider emergencies. The EA operates a wide range of flood defence assets and has an operational response team, which manages the operation of these assets during flooding. In case flood defence assets are exceeded or fail, the EA has well-rehearsed contingency plans which can be deployed to mitigate effects. The EA continues to build strong relationships with local communities to improve community flood resilience. Through the flood warden programme, the EA engages regularly with volunteers and Parish Councils. Engagement takes place where the risk is highest and where we receive the highest number of reported flooded properties.

Food and Rural Affairs, what funding he has allocated for flood defence improvements in (a) Bothenhampton, (b) Bridport, (c) Maiden Newton, (d) Ryme Intrinseca, (e) Yetminster and (f) Chilfrome over the next five years.

As part of the Government’s Plan for Change, a record £2.65 billion will be invested over two years in building, maintaining and repairing flood defences, better protecting 52,000 properties by March 2026. Around 1,000 projects will receive funding in 24/25 and 25/26. Investment in flood risk management schemes takes place where the risk is highest, wherever it is across the country. Each scheme is carefully considered to determine whether and how far it will benefit the most people and property. An initial assessment of the flood defences in Bridport determined that maintenance of the existing defences is the most cost-effective option. Bridport remains on the pipeline programme to revisit in 10 years. Bothenhampton, Maiden Newton and Yetminster are not included in the current pipeline programme. However, these areas should see flood risk benefits at a catchment scale due to the influence of Natural Flood Management (NFM) projects in the area. The Environment Agency (EA) is working with organisations such as the Dorset National Landscape Partnership to deliver a NFM project across the Brit catchment that will reduce flood risk to communities such as Beaminster. The River Brit project received a share of £25million in Government funding. In Maiden Newton, Dorset Wildlife Trust is gathering data on the impact of beavers to flood risk at Kingcombe Nature reserve at the headwaters of the Frome. At Yetminster, Yeovil Rivers Trust is installing NFM measures in the headwaters of the Wriggle to slow the flow and attenuate floodwater. The EA is proposing to desilt the Maiden Newton Flood Alleviation Channel this year.

Food and Rural Affairs, what proportion of waste is sent to landfill (a) in West Dorset constituency and (b) nationally.

In 2022 there was 41.3 million tonnes (21.4%) of waste sent to landfill in England. This is the latest publicly available information and is published on gov.uk (UK statistics on waste - GOV.UK). Defra does not hold data on total waste sent to landfill in West Dorset.

Food and Rural Affairs, what data his Department holds on the proportion of household waste sent to landfill in West Dorset constituency.

Data on household waste is collected via the publicly available Waste Data Flow Portal (https://www.wastedataflow.org/). Information is submitted on a local authority basis rather than constituency. Dorset Council, which includes West Dorset, sent 4,547 tonnes of household waste to landfill (2.7% of 170,080 tonnes collected) based on the latest data covering 2022/23.

Food and Rural Affairs, what role natural flood management solutions play in flood defence plans for (a) Bothenhampton, (b) Bridport, (c) Maiden Newton, (d) Ryme Intrinseca, (e) Yetminster and (f) Chilfrome.

As part of the Government’s Plan for Change, a record £2.65 billion will be invested over two years in building, maintaining and repairing flood defences, better protecting 52,000 properties by March 2026. Around 1,000 projects will receive funding in 24/25 and 25/26. Investment in flood risk management schemes takes place where the risk is highest, wherever it is across the country. Each scheme is carefully considered to determine whether and how far it will benefit the most people and property. An initial assessment of the flood defences in Bridport determined that maintenance of the existing defences is the most cost-effective option. Bridport remains on the pipeline programme to revisit in 10 years. Bothenhampton, Maiden Newton and Yetminster are not included in the current pipeline programme. However, these areas should see flood risk benefits at a catchment scale due to the influence of Natural Flood Management (NFM) projects in the area. The Environment Agency (EA) is working with organisations such as the Dorset National Landscape Partnership to deliver a NFM project across the Brit catchment that will reduce flood risk to communities such as Beaminster. The River Brit project received a share of £25million in Government funding. In Maiden Newton, Dorset Wildlife Trust is gathering data on the impact of beavers to flood risk at Kingcombe Nature reserve at the headwaters of the Frome. At Yetminster, Yeovil Rivers Trust is installing NFM measures in the headwaters of the Wriggle to slow the flow and attenuate floodwater. The EA is proposing to desilt the Maiden Newton Flood Alleviation Channel this year.

Food and Rural Affairs, what flood prevention measures are in place for (a) Bothenhampton, (b) Bridport, (c) Maiden Newton, (d) Ryme Intrinseca, (e) Yetminster and (f) Chilfrome.

As part of the Government’s Plan for Change, a record £2.65 billion will be invested over two years in building, maintaining and repairing flood defences, better protecting 52,000 properties by March 2026. Around 1,000 projects will receive funding in 24/25 and 25/26. The Environment Agency (EA) maintains a variety of flood defence assets which require differing levels of maintenance. These defences are maintained to ensure the standard of protection specified by the flood alleviation scheme. They are regularly inspected for signs of defects, with appropriate remedial action undertaken when necessary. The EA maintains a flood alleviation scheme throughout Bridport and Maiden Newton to protect properties at risk of flooding. Yetminster has its own flood alleviation scheme, comprising of an embankment and walls with a series of flapped outfalls to manage surface water drainage. Since 2016, the EA has invested in Property Flood Resilience measures that better prevent flooding to 12 properties.

Food and Rural Affairs, how often maintenance of flood defences is conducted in (a) Bothenhampton, (b) Bridport, (c) Maiden Newton, (d) Ryme Intrinseca, (e) Yetminster and (f) Chilfrome.

As part of the Government’s Plan for Change, a record £2.65 billion will be invested over two years in building, maintaining and repairing flood defences, better protecting 52,000 properties by March 2026. Around 1,000 projects will receive funding in 24/25 and 25/26. The Environment Agency (EA) maintains a variety of flood defence assets which require differing levels of maintenance. These defences are maintained to ensure the standard of protection specified by the flood alleviation scheme. They are regularly inspected for signs of defects, with appropriate remedial action undertaken when necessary. The EA maintains a flood alleviation scheme throughout Bridport and Maiden Newton to protect properties at risk of flooding. Yetminster has its own flood alleviation scheme, comprising of an embankment and walls with a series of flapped outfalls to manage surface water drainage. Since 2016, the EA has invested in Property Flood Resilience measures that better prevent flooding to 12 properties.

Food and Rural Affairs, what regulations exist to prevent leakage from private sewage systems into (a) soil and (b) groundwater.

Discharges to ground or watercourses from private sewerage systems are regulated by the Environment Agency under the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016. The requirements of these regulations are implemented through a combination of statutory general binding rules for small discharges and environmental permits for larger ones. Other relevant regulations are the responsibility of local authorities, in particular the relevant provisions set out in the Building Act 1984 and the Public Health Act 1936.

Food and Rural Affairs, what penalties exist for owners of private sewage systems which leak into (a) soil and (b) watercourses.

In cases where private sewerage systems cause pollution of either soil or watercourses the operator of that system may be committing an offence under the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016 and, as such, may be subject to the potential penalties set out in those Regulations. When determining what compliance or enforcement action is appropriate in any given case the Environment Agency uses its enforcement and sanctions policy. Penalties may also arise under legislation for which local authorities are responsible, including the Public Health Act 1936 and the Building Act 1984.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to support low-income households with water bills.

Ofwat published their final determinations for Price Review 2024 on 19 December, which sets company expenditure and customer bills for 2025-2030.This will deliver substantial, lasting, improvements for customers and the environment through a £104 billion upgrade for the water sector. These bill rises equate to around £3 additional per month on average before inflation. This will pay to fix crumbling infrastructure, which will dramatically reduce sewage spills and lead to cleaner rivers, lakes and seas. For too long, investment has not kept pace with the challenges of an ageing infrastructure system, a rapidly growing population and climate change. Whilst bills will therefore now need to rise to invest in our crumbling infrastructure and deliver cleaner waterways, we fully understand the financial pressures hardworking families are currently facing. We are pushing the sector to ensure support is available for vulnerable customers who are struggling to pay their bills. The Government expects water companies to put robust support measures in place for customers to ensure that vulnerable customers across the country are supported and is working with industry to keep current support schemes under review to ensure that customers are sufficiently supported. Furthermore, the Government expects companies to hold themselves accountable for their commitment to end Water Poverty by 2030 and will work with the sector to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to this end.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of trends in the level of water bills for consumers.

Ofwat published their final determinations for Price Review 2024 on 19 December, which sets company expenditure and customer bills for 2025-2030.This will deliver substantial, lasting, improvements for customers and the environment through a £104 billion upgrade for the water sector. These bill rises equate to around £3 additional per month on average before inflation. This will pay to fix crumbling infrastructure, which will dramatically reduce sewage spills and lead to cleaner rivers, lakes and seas. For too long, investment has not kept pace with the challenges of an ageing infrastructure system, a rapidly growing population and climate change. Whilst bills will therefore now need to rise to invest in our crumbling infrastructure and deliver cleaner waterways, we fully understand the financial pressures hardworking families are currently facing. We are pushing the sector to ensure support is available for vulnerable customers who are struggling to pay their bills. The Government expects water companies to put robust support measures in place for customers to ensure that vulnerable customers across the country are supported and is working with industry to keep current support schemes under review to ensure that customers are sufficiently supported. Furthermore, the Government expects companies to hold themselves accountable for their commitment to end Water Poverty by 2030 and will work with the sector to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to this end.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that Water Restoration Fund funded projects achieve their intended outcomes.

The Water Restoration Fund is reinvesting funding based on water company environmental fines and penalties into projects to improve the water environment. Up to £11 million of funding was made available on a competitive basis to support a range of water restoration projects, which is administered by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA). Water environmental improvement project applications were assessed through a competitive process against published scoring criteria. Applications were assessed against other applications within the water company region that applicants applied for, by both a technical assessment panel and a moderation panel. Following this rigorous assessment process, I am pleased to say that current applicants to the Water Restoration Fund have been contacted regarding the outcome of their application. Further details regarding which projects have been successful will be shared in due course once funding agreements have been finalised. Details of the assessment can be found online at Gov.uk